'Kantara' actor Rishab Shetty issues first statement post 'Dhurandhar' star Ranveer Singh mimicking daivas: 'I request people not to perform it on stage or...'

Last month, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) submitted a complaint to police against actor Dhurandhar star Ranveer Singh alleging he insulted Goddess Chamundadevi during the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa.

What does the complaint say?

According to the complaint, Singh had imitated on stage the divine form of a deity portrayed in the Kannada film “  _Kantara-Chapter 1_” and referred to Chamundi Daiva, revered by the Kotitulu community, as a “female ghost”.

HJS representatives Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye submitted a memorandum to Panaji police station sub-inspector Sahin Shetye seeking the registration of an offence under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.

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Rishab Shetty issues first statement

The actor was quoted saying, “That makes me uncomfortable. While much of the film is cinema and performance, the daiva element is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It is emotionally deeply connected to us.”

An apology from the Dhurandhar star

While seeking a thorough investigation, the outfit also urged IFFI organisers to frame a code of conduct to ensure no religious deity is depicted in an insulting manner at future events.

“Ranveer Singh should issue a public apology and assure he would refrain from making such remarks or performances in the future,” the HJS said while appealing to its supporters to register their protest in a peaceful and lawful manner.

Ranveer Singh, Rishab Shetty, and   Kantara

The actor imitated a scene from the 2025 blockbuster and told Shetty how much he loved the film. But the imitation didn’t go down well with some people on social media.

Social media furious

One user said, “How can actors lack basic understanding of what should and shouldn’t be said? It is extremely disrespectful for people from the South that their goddess is being referred to as a female ghost.”

A second wrote- “This is so disrespectful. She is not a ghost but a goddess herself.” Another wrote, “What an unaware and disrespectful man. His wife belongs to the same geographical region as the daiva tradition. At least show some respect.”